BBM to military: Don't be deceived, stay focused

Amid a worsening rift with the Dutertes, President Marcos reminded the military yesterday to remain true to its mission of protecting the Filipino people and not be distracted by the current political noise.

"Huwag kayong nalilinlang sa mga nangyayari (Do not be deceived by what is happening). Let's stay focused," Marcos said in his message to officers and troops of the Southern Luzon Command at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, Quezon.

This was his apparent response to former president Rodrigo Duterte's calling on the military to correct Marcos' "fractured governance."

"For me, when there's a lot of noise around, I always think what my job really is. Is it my job to pick a fight, or is it to debate on nonsensical matters? No, my work is to make the Philippines better. In your case, you also have your mission," Marcos said in Filipino.

"So, don't—if you are confused, just think, remember: what is my mission? What is my mission? Your mission is to defend the people and the Republic – the people of the Republic of the Philippines and the state of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said. “Let’s keep that mission clear in our mind.”